Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding the use of Traditional and Complementary Medical Practices by Patients...

The use of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing worldwide. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of traditional medicine (TM) by patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Oman.

This was a cross-sectional study based on a previously validated questionnaire conducted among patients attending a Cardiology outpatients' clinic.

There were 103(mean age 45.1+13.4 years; 85 or 82.5% male) responses to the questionnaire of which 70(67.9%) had previously used at least one form of TM. Those who had used TM were older (48.1+13.4yrs vs 41.2+10.9 years; p=0.01). However, there was no difference between the gender, educational status or occupation between the two groups. Cupping was the most common (58 out of 70 or 82.8%) followed by herbal medications (52 or 74.2%) and branding (47 or 67.1%), TM was used mainly for non-cardiac indications such as headache (47 or 67.1%), back pain (42 or 60%), abdominal pain (41 or 58.5%) and only 30 (42.8%) using it for chest pains. Majority of those who had used (65 out of 70 or 92.8%) said that they felt it was effective and 58 (82.8%) said that they would try it again. However, only 21.4% said that they would recommend it to others.

Our study demonstrates that there is widespread use of TM practices among patients with IHD in Oman and their use should be monitored due to the potential for interactions with regular medications and side effects.